The search for missing teenager Richard Tu came to a tragic end on Tuesday when the seventeen-year-old’s body was discovered following a search in bushland in Mount Richon.
Police say his death is being treated as ‘non-suspicious’, and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
Richard mysteriously vanished late on Monday March 31 after getting off the 529 bus at the Seville Dr stop on Armadale Rd.
His family said Richard had not told them he was leaving the house, and could not see a reason for him to be in that part of Armadale late at night.
“For him to leave the home at that time of the night and not let anyone know where he is going, and then be missing for almost seven days, is out of character and so we have grave concerns for him and his safety,” Inspector Steve Scott said on Monday.
The Year 12 student boarded from Cockburn Central, where CCTV recorded him wearing a cap and face mask, leading his family to worry he was trying to conceal his identity.
His sister, Rachel Tu, made a heartfelt plea to Richard on Monday, one week after his disappearance.
“Whatever it is we can work through it with you, we’re here for you, you don’t have to do it alone,” she said. “Please come home.”
Around 80 people were involved in a large-scale sweep this week; a five-square kilometre search radius was combed around Mount Richon, where Richard’s mobile phone had last pinged off a nearby tower.
Police also conducted aerial drone searches, and said the mounted section and TRG all-terrain vehicles had been used in the search.
Rachel Tu thanked all involved in the search for her brother.
“The community has reached out a lot and helped us and we’re so grateful and thankful,” she said.
In a social media post on Tuesday night after receiving news of his death, Rachel posted a heartbreaking tribute to her brother, hoping his soul is “at peace now”.
“He was a gentle, kind, selfless, loving human who quietly carried a shadow too heavy to bear. He left us far too soon,” she said.
“We are struggling to process his loss. Words cannot express the pain my family is going through, but we are grateful for the love and support received over the last few days from friends, family, the community, the SES, the WA Police Force and countless others. We sincerely thank you all.
“Please keep us in your thoughts as we navigate through this incredibly painful time, and hold your loved ones extra close tonight.
“We do, and will always, love Richard so much. We pray his soul is at peace now.”
